A Sukhoi Superjet 100-95 owned by Gazprom subsidiary Gazpromavia Airlines has been reported as crashing outside Moscow, apparently killing all three crew members.
Early reports suggest that the aircraft completed maintenance at the Luhovitsa facility and was departing on ferry to Vnukovo Airport, with just the three crew on board.
Gazpromavia Sukhoi Superjet RA-89049
Reports indicate the aircraft in question was registration RA-89049, owned by Gazpromavia.
The aircraft is believed to have been undergoing its first flight after maintenance. The flight originated from the Lukhovitsa factory and was routed to Vnukovo airport.
Gazpromavia: A Brief Overview
Gazprom, the energy giant, owns Gazpromavia, a Russian airline headquartered in Moscow. The airline primarily supports the oil and gas industry.
Key Points:
- Focus: Passenger and cargo charters, mainly supporting the oil and gas industry.
- Operations: Offers both domestic and international flights, including regular domestic routes from Moscow.
- Fleet: One of the largest business aviation fleets in Russia.
- Services: In addition to passenger and cargo transport, Gazpromavia also provides aerial prospecting, monitoring, patrolling, emergency services, and more.
A Closer Look:
- Ownership: Fully owned by Gazprom, Russia’s largest natural gas company.
- Fleet Size: Possesses a substantial fleet of aircraft, primarily focused on business aviation.
- Destinations: Serves a mix of scheduled and charter routes, with a strong emphasis on supporting Gazprom’s operations.
Sukhoi Superjet 100-95
The Sukhoi Superjet 100NEW-95 is a modified version of the Sukhoi Superjet 100. It’s a regional jet designed by Russia’s Sukhoi Civil Aircraft.
Key Points:
- Derived from: Sukhoi Superjet 100
- Purpose: Primarily for regional and short-haul flights
- Passenger Capacity: Typically around 87 to 98 passengers
- Range: Capable of covering medium-range distances
Challenges and Controversies:
The Sukhoi Superjet 100 series, including the NEW-95 variant, has faced some challenges and controversies over the years, including:
- Safety Concerns: Previous accidents have raised questions about the aircraft’s safety record.
- Western Component Reliance: The original model relied heavily on Western-made components, which has posed challenges due to geopolitical tensions and sanctions.
- Market Penetration: Despite being a relatively new aircraft, it has struggled to gain significant market share compared to its Western counterparts.
Update 15:00 UTC
Further updates and confirmation of this accident will be provided as information comes to hand.
Update 15:15 UTC
Preliminary reports from Russia’s Press Agency TASS suggest that the aircraft suffered an engine failure during its departure from Lukhovitsy Airfield.
The aircraft was bound for Moscow Vnukovo on a ferry flight and was on its first flight following maintenance. TASS have described the maintenance as “planned repairs”.
The flight had departed from RWY 28 Lukhovitsy Airfield and had climbed to 3,000 feet before losing altitude and impacting the ground in a forested area.
Reports say that all three occupants lost their lives in the ensuing crash, which occurred less than 10 minutes after departure.
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